Saturday, February 14, 2009

Fabulous February

“Weather forecasters are quietly using the term "Fabulous February" to describe a series of storms likely to bring heavy rain and snow to California through at least Tuesday.

“They aren't yet prepared to also call it a "drought buster." But forecaster Steve Goldstein said the approaching storms might be enough to at least bring this winter back into "normal" territory.

“The forecast, he said, calls for 4 inches of rain in the Sacramento Valley by Tuesday, and more than 6 feet of snow in the Sierra Nevada.

"That's a lot of snow. We sure need it," said Goldstein, who works in the National Weather Service Sacramento office. "To bust the drought we would need a long-term period of wet weather. However, this will definitely stop the bleeding."

“Though good news for California's water supply, it does not bode well for this weekend's Tour of California bicycle race. The worst of the weather will come Saturday night through Sunday, hitting the first stage of the bike race, from Davis to Santa Rosa.

“Officials advise the public not to travel in the Sierra Nevada during the holiday weekend, as highway closures and blizzard-like conditions are possible.

“Today, the snow level will drop to 1,500 feet, with a foot or more likely near mountain highway passes.

“Saturday night, a new storm is expected to tap into tropical moisture in the western Pacific Ocean. This likely will mean more snow, but at higher levels. It also will bring strong winds, with gusts of 45 mph likely in Sacramento.”

This blog is part of the ongoing work of the American River Parkway Preservation Society to provide public education and advocacy around public policy issues that may be related to the Parkway and the adjacent communities along the American River in Sacramento, California.